Shared Valve Driver Circuit for Rapid Magnetic Field Quenching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing circuit configurations for solenoid valves require multiple components and complex control systems for each valve, leading to increased costs and risk of breakdown, especially in vehicle applications, due to the need for multiple shutdown paths and synchronization of switches during magnetic field de-energizing.
Innovation Solution
A circuit configuration that uses a single shared suppressor diode and multiple second switches to enable joint or individual switching between slow and rapid quenching of magnetic fields, allowing for automatic switchover without interrupting pulse-width-modulation operation, reducing the number of components and eliminating synchronization needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate circuit configurations are used for each valve, then reliable valve control is achieved, but component expenditure and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple valve control circuits are merged into a single shared circuit configuration. The patent implements a common suppressor diode and shared switching elements that can control multiple valve inductors simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate circuit configurations for each valve while maintaining reliable control through joint pulse width modulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit configuration is designed with universal components that can serve multiple valves. The shared suppressor diode and switching elements can be applied to control different valve inductors through selective switching, allowing one circuit to perform the function of multiple separate circuits.
2Reliability
If multiple switches are used per inductor, then reliable magnetic field shutdown is achieved, but component expenditure increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple switching elements are merged into a shared pool that can control multiple inductors. Instead of having dedicated switches for each inductor, the patent uses a common set of switching elements that can be selectively activated to control different valve inductors, reducing the total number of switches required.
Solution Approach 2:
The switching elements are designed to be dynamically reconfigurable, allowing the same physical switches to serve different inductors at different times through pulse width modulation control. This dynamic allocation reduces the need for static one-to-one switching assignments.
3Reliability
If synchronization of switches is implemented, then proper magnetic field de-energizing is achieved, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit configuration uses the inherent electrical characteristics and natural commutation of the shared switching elements to automatically coordinate the de-energizing of multiple inductors. The control system leverages the circuit's own operational states and timing characteristics to achieve proper synchronization without requiring complex external coordination mechanisms.
4Speed
If separate valve drivers are used for each valve coil, then high-speed de-excitation is achieved, but system costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple valve driver functions are merged into a single shared valve driver circuit. The patent implements a common suppressor diode and switching infrastructure that can provide high-speed de-excitation to multiple valve coils simultaneously or sequentially, eliminating the need for separate dedicated valve drivers for each coil.
Solution Approach 2:
The shared valve driver uses dynamic switching control to allocate its de-excitation capability to different valve coils as needed. Through pulse width modulation and selective activation of switching elements, the single driver can rapidly switch between serving different inductors, maintaining high-speed performance across multiple valves.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration decreases component expenditure and simplifies control, reducing the risk of breakdown and costs while maintaining efficient valve operation, allowing for automatic switchover between slow and rapid quenching modes.
Implementation Method 1
a diode which is in the conducting state when the second switches are in a switching state for a slow quenching of the magnetic fields of the inductors
Implementation Method 2
a first switch to which a pulse width modulation is applied for controlling magnetic fields of a plurality of valve inductors
Data Source
AI summary
A circuit configuration is provided for switching valves with joint pulse width modulation and quenching, having a first switch to which a pulse width modulation is applied for controlling magnetic fields of a plurality of valve inductors connected to the circuit configuration; a plurality of second switches by which the circuit configuration is able to be switched between a slow and a rapid quenching of the magnetic fields of the inductors; and a diode which is in the conducting state when the second switches are in a switching state for a slow quenching of the magnetic fields of the inductors, and which is no longer parallel to the inductors when the second switches are in a switching state for a rapid quenching of the magnetic fields of the inductors.